Statewide Uniform Certification (SWUC)

General Information / Overview

The Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB Office) launched its new Statewide Uniform Certification (SWUC) program on July 1, 2009. SWUC was developed to streamline the certification process and reduce the redundancy in certifying minority- and women-owned businesses and create a centralized HUB and minority/women business database. The HUB Office will take the lead in certifying HUB/MWBE firms, which previously had to apply for certification through the HUB Office as well as the local M/WBE program offices.

Effective July 1, 2009, HUB firms must be certified through the HUB Office to be listed in the database to be counted by local and state entities for HUB participation and the reporting purposes. The HUB Office partnered with our local M/WBE offices to develop and implement SWUC with input and feedback from HUB firms, prime contractors and HUB resource advocates. With the HUB Office facilitating the certification process, local M/WBE Offices can focus on providing resources and business development.

Eligibility for HUB Certification under the SWUC Program

In accordance with N.C.G.S. § 143-128.4(a) and 143-48.4(a), the term "Historically Underutilized Business" (HUB) means a business that meets all of the following conditions:

(1) At least Fifty-One Percent (51%) of the business is owned by one or more persons who are members of at least one of the groups set forth in subsection (b)

(2) The management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more owners of the business who are members of at least one of the groups in subsection (b)

      (b) To qualify as a HUB, a business must be owned and controlled by one or more citizens or lawful permanent residents of the United States who are members of one or more of the following groups: (1) Black, (2) Hispanic, (3) Asian American, (4) American Indian, (5) Female, (6) Disabled, (7) Disadvantaged

How to Apply for HUB Certification under the SWUC Program

If you are not already certified through the HUB Office or a local entity and wish to initiate HUB Certification under the SWUC Program, you must register in the Vendor Link NC system and request HUB Certification:

1. Go to http://www.doa.nc.gov/hub
2. Click Request HUB Certification
3. At the next page, Click Request HUB Certification
4. Click Vendor Registration/HUB Verification in the Menu Bar
5. Complete all applicable information
6. On the last page – click "Registration Complete"
7. Based on your business type, submit supporting documents indicated during the registration process to the HUB Office
8. Complete the SWUC Certification Application (pdf)

Local M/WBE Offices

Staff members at your local M/WBE Office are also available to answer questions and assist you with the transitioning or certification process for Statewide Uniform Certification. You may reach the local M/WBE Offices as listed below.

Statewide Uniform Certification Rules and General Statutes

N.C.G.S. 143-128.4 143 128.4 - Statewide uniform certification; Historically Underutilized Businesses defined

N.C.G.S. 143-48.4 - Statewide uniform certification of historically underutilized businesses

Statewide Uniform Certification Rules – N.C. Administrative Codes – 01 NCAC 44A

Listing of Documents and Forms

Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses
1336 Mail Service Center
Raleigh, North Carolina 27699-1336
Fax: 919-807-2335
E-mail: HUBOffice.DOA@doa.nc.gov